Month: December 2020

Efficiency Goals for Your Construction Projects

If you work in or own a Sacramento commercial construction company, then you know that working towards operational efficiency ensures that your company can deliver completed projects in a cost-effective way without reducing quality. However, have you ever set specific efficiency goals for your construction projects?

All ground-up projects have one operational efficiency goal: to finish up a project within budget and on time. Because the range of construction projects is wide, there are various ways to realize operational efficiency. Our team of commercial builders recommends driving the operational efficiency objectives of your construction project into smaller categories. Examples of this include customer satisfaction, labor productivity, safety, and communication. We believe that this increases the probability of success on your project. This will motivate your crew to achieve the larger operational efficiency objectives you’ve set.

To do this, you have to first analyze your operations in detail then establish a standard. You should look into:

How long it takes project managers to obtain data from the field. Is there a time lag?
If you had any injuries occurring on your site. If you did, what were the causes?
How long it takes to process time cards to payroll from employee entry.

This will help you determine the areas you need to improve in and what operational efficiency objectives you will set for your commercial construction company. Here are a few operational efficiency objectives you can look into to enable you to achieve overall operational improvements.

Eliminating the communication barrier

When establishing efficiency goals for your construction projects, we recommend communication. Establishing an open line of communication between the office team and the field team will improve operational efficiency. Every day, the field team collects reports on the site that may contain important information. Having reliable communication between the two teams bridges the gap and allows easy access to the information. Our neighbors over at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, Plumbing contractor Sacramento, explain that eliminating the communication barrier works the best for their team, who is partly in office and on the field.

To improve communication for both sides, ensure that a complete report is submitted before workers leave your site. The daily report should at the minimum include 2 photos of the Sacramento Jobsite. One at the start and one at the end of the day. This information should then be uploaded to a cloud-based management system, which allows the project manager to view it and proceed as they see fit.

Any information collected from the field, be it delays, drawing questions or site issues, allows the project manager to start documentation processes at once. This improves the time it would take to register, communicate, and sort out any issues. Having instant communication of issues or site activities allows the team to work together to resolve any issues and continue with the ground up or Sacramento tilt-up construction project without wasting time.

Encourage safe behaviors on site

If you’re in the ground-up construction industry, then you know that it’s a risky profession. Sites are dangerous and having a missing work due to an injury only slows the progress of a project. While it’s unrealistic to strive to have no injuries on-site, setting attainable goals with regard to safety is achievable. The goals you set may be PPE compliance-related or safety hazard-related.

Improvement of labor productivity

Enhancing labor productivity will bring about higher profitability on commercial building remodeling projects. When creating a proposal, the cost is usually based on the estimated labor hours required to complete the project. The lesser hours used to get the job done, the more profit subcontractors can pocket. However, if a project ends up using more hours than had been estimated, factoring in that workers still need to be paid upon project completion, a subcontractor may end up incurring losses.

To ensure this does not happen, one can track employee hours according to tasks and through different project phases. This will help discover what tasks take a longer time to finish and if there are workers who are performing at a higher level than others. Tracking productivity through a labor delivery system and integrated time allows Sacramento construction teams to meet their operational efficiency objectives.

Client satisfaction

For many strip mall construction firms, a big portion of their business encircles repeat business. Subcontracting companies that are successful and provide high-quality work enables them to work again with past customers and grow their business opportunities through referrals.

It is said that a 5% growth in customer retention can grow a company’s profitability by 75%, as its return customers will buy more over time. If you would like to know your firm’s customer satisfaction, below are 2 questions you may find informative.

On a scale of 1-10, how likely is it that you’d recommend our firm to a colleague or friend? (quantitative view)
Please tell us why you gave our firm that score (score mentioned above, provides a qualitative view)

In addition, you can employ an NPS (Net Promoter Score) to measure your consumer base’s loyalty. This score is based on comparing a firm’s promoters and detractors with a score between 25-33 being average. Instead of comparing your tilt-up construction company in Sacramento to other firms, tracking your NPS over time has proven to be more beneficial. Additionally, the feedback provided by your consumers helps determine the steps your firm needs to take to improve your NPS score. They will also provide insights on how to better deliver ground-up projects.

Commercial Construction Sacramento

Now, all that’s left is implementing the objectives. First, we recommend setting efficiency objectives. Then, our builders suggest tracking activities using a ground-up construction project management software. We at Headwaters Construction Inc. pride ourselves on providing high-quality construction services at an efficient and affordable rate. Contact us today for all your commercial construction needs.

Commercial Construction Project Scott’s Seafood

Our Favorite Commercial Construction Project in 2020: Scott’s Seafood

Our favorite Sacramento commercial construction project Scott’s Seafood, was a groundbreaking one!

Scott’s Seafood and Williamette Wineworks opened earlier this year after the completion of the roundhouse shell that was to house the two businesses. While the first floor was occupied by the former, the second story was occupied by the winery.

After two decades on Greenback Lane, Scott’s Seafood moved to the Historic District of Folsom, Sutter Street. The location: a historical, cultural, and social magnet for the city stands where the original roundhouse for the city stood.

The new Scott’s Seafood building has been designed as an exact replica of the roundhouse. That roadhouse once stood on the same parcel of land more than 100 years ago.

The Headwaters Construction team worked around the clock with specialists and remarkable craftsmen to make the historic building authentic. It’s beyond question that the new Scott’s Seafood will be the talk of the town and the “it-scene” in the Folsom Historic District!

Here are a few unique features of this magnificent structure that our commercial builders love:

1. Real Bricks

Currently, most commercial construction buildings do not use bricks in commercial construction and instead prefer concrete, lumber, drywall, metal, and asphalt. Our Sacramento ground-up construction team used real bricks that existed when the roundhouse had been built more than a century ago. The aim of this was to keep the building’s historic atmosphere while also making a bold statement about the exterior of the building.

2. Custom Backside Windows

The inside of the building is made of a solid wall. To make the new Scott’s Seafood restaurant inviting, our commercial building renovation contractors decided to install 6×8 foot windows on the outside of the building which was manufactured by Sierra Pacific. The three windows will host a photo of a real locomotive and the individuals servicing it etched onto a sheet of glass which will have LED lights on it to illuminate the photo.

That way, if a person happens to walk by the restaurant at night, they will see Locomotive 3 in the building.

3. The Paint Color

Based upon historical significance to the time the first roundhouse was in use. The paint color used on the exterior of the building was picked The color in question, Carter Brother’s Tuscan Red, dates more than a century ago, before 1887 when it was used around South America and the West Coast on more than 5,000 railroad cars.

We at Headwaters Construction Inc. were very pleased to use Carter Brother’s Tuscan Red as the color adds authenticity to the building.

4. The Wooden Doors

It isn’t often that you chance upon a building that has 12×17 foot wooden doors that are operable. The roundhouse will have them though, just like the original building did. The original roundhouse was constructed with huge doors. This is because they were wide enough to allow a steam locomotive into the building.

The new roundhouse has the same 12×17 foot doors which are thick and made from reclaimed redwood by CrossRoads Lumber. The doors were installed by no other Folsom construction company but Headwaters Construction Inc. Reclaimed redwood is used to match the building’s historic nature.

5. Second Floor Windows

Our concrete tilt-up contractors also included clerestory windows in the design of the building. These windows were typical of the time when the roundhouse was in use hundreds of years ago. Our friends over at Maid For Muddy Paws, Window Cleaning service Woodlands TX, explains that these windows were used to flood the building with as much natural light as they possibly could.

As they do not have right angles, the windows weren’t easy to construct. However, the determination of the team to design the roundhouse to be as exact as the original ensured the job was done.

These aren’t the only unique features that make this roundhouse special in the Historic District of Folsom. Williamette Wineworks was launched on Sutter Street on February 26th. Scott’s Seafood was opened in the summer of 2020, a few months ago, setting the bar very high. From the perfect location, freshness of products, use of farmer’s market produce, and the creative menus, Scott’s Seafood will not only be the place to be but the place to eat. To get in touch with the restaurant, you can contact them on [email protected] or on +19169896711.

Commercial Consturction Services

We at Headwaters Construction Inc. have fully licensed construction contractors in California, Oregon, and Washington. We have a passion for tilt-wall building, shopping center renovation, and commercial new construction. Our Sacramento ground-up construction teams have more than 100 years of experience in commercial construction. We are also focused on delivering outstanding service, communication, and quality.

Get in touch with us today at 916-6564-8899. Or, you can contact us at [email protected] and let us help you make your commercial project dream into a reality! Additionally, you can check out our projects on our project gallery; headwatersbuilding.com

commercial builders Commercial Construction Project Scott's Seafood ground up construction sacramento commercial construction project sacramento ground up construction

How to Estimate a Construction Project

Cost estimates for a commercial project are one of the things that need to go right for the success of the construction project. After all, among the most common things most commercial builders and owners look for is the financial part of the construction. Without it, your project runs the risk of stalling due to financial constraints.

Therefore, what is the best way to estimate the cost of your commercial construction project, and what exactly is involved during the process? Our Sacramento commercial builders share all you need to know about estimating for a construction project.

Why Estimate a Construction Project?

There are two main reasons why estimation is a valuable part of any construction project. One, it allows contractors and commercial builders to win new projects. Considering that most owners are looking to save money, these estimations help them decide which contractor to pick.

Also, they allow for easy approximation of costs. This is an important part. During the estimation phase, commercial construction companies Sacramento have to deal with take-offs, construction documents, and other related costs. This creates a useable roadmap on how much everything is going to cost and whether it is a worthy venture.

What to Consider

It is important to learn a few things before starting work. Some of the things you need to consider during the estimation process include direct costs and indirect costs.

Direct costs are those that are related to the activities that are carried out during the construction process. For example, buying materials and paying for equipment is a direct cost. Labor is also another activity that lies within this category.

Indirect costs are also known as overhead costs. They are important to the construction but are not directly related to the activities that happen during the construction. For example, costs aimed at covering utilities, temporary structures, legal fees and permits, security, quality control, and administrative costs are all indirect costs.

Levels of Accuracy in Estimation of a Construction Project

Given that this is an estimation of costs, it is not going to be 100% accurate. Especially in the very first stages of the construction process. However, with time, and as the project matures, you should expect to see these estimates getting more accurate.

Usually, estimates are placed on different levels (1-5) as subscribed by the American Society of Professional Estimators. These include:

Level 1: Order of Magnitude

This first stage usually has the roughest estimates. During this phase, the project is still in its idea stage so estimations are usually based on previous projects or expert judgment. Here, you can expect the level of accuracy to be -25% to 75%.

Level 2: Intermediate Estimate

The intermediate estimate level is an important level because it will determine the feasibility of the project by looking at the general cost construction. It is at this level that most owners, especially for large scale constructions, decide whether to proceed with the construction or not.

Level 3: Preliminary Estimate

The preliminary estimate level is where the cost of construction is given more detail. Its accuracy is what informs financing. In some projects, the budget will be determined at this level. At this stage, accuracy is highly important.

Level 4: Substantive Estimate

This estimate depends on the estimated unit costs. Construction companies and other relevant stakeholders look at the objectives, deliverables, and reasonably finalized project designs before coming up with a substantive estimate. Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton kitchen remodel company, uses substantive estimates often to get their costs in order. They also recommend using this estimate as a roadmap to keep the project within budget.

Level 5: Definitive Estimate

This is the final stage where all costs are known. Therefore, the accuracy here is high. This estimate is used to create bids, tenders, and cost baselines.

Using Estimates to Determine Budget

Usually, an estimator or project manager will handle the estimation process by calculating the overall costs, funding, and budget allocation needed for the success of the project. Our tilt-up contractors explain that these estimates also include risk management and reserves for contingency.

Making Successful Estimates

Finding the best construction company for your commercial construction project is paramount for your success. That is why Headwaters Construction Inc is ready to give you the best services. Call us today and enjoy the best service for your construction project.

commercial construction companies sacramento commercial construction project How to Estimate a Construction Project sacramento commercial builders tilt-up contractors

Should New Commercial Buildings Go Solar?

Using solar energy for your commercial building sounds like a great idea. After all, solar energy has been the talk of the town with nothing but good things being said about it. However, as a business person, getting into something because it is popular is not the right way to do business. Many people ask us: should new commercial buildings go solar?

One needs to understand why going solar is ideal for your business. There’s a ton to consider before you take this step. Our Sacramento commercial builders share the benefits of going solar below.

Why Go Solar?

Lower Operating Costs

Your solar panel will significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on energy bills every year. Normally, most commercial buildings require a constant power supply which is expensive. Solar power will help you cut down on costs.

Additional Marketing Opportunities

Solar energy is currently a big topic for many corporations. Thousands of companies are being urged to take the initiative and embrace practices that protect the environment through proper usage of resources and going green.

It is considered attractive to work with companies that are involved in measures that protect the environment and embrace the responsible use of natural resources. Companies and corporate heads who take part in demonstrating their ability to commit to a sustainable business with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and overall pollution are continually finding it easier to do business.

Low Maintenance Needs

Our commercial construction company explains that solar panels do not need a lot of work once the installation process is complete. Our Sacramento neighbors over at Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, Sacramento HVAC company, explains that solar panels can last an extremely long time. Usually, solar panels come with a warranty of 15-25 years. The only maintenance you will need for your solar is to clean it and keep it free of debris.

Things to Consider

Setting up a solar installation is an attractive venture with many upsides for any commercial builder. However, it does not just start and end with buying your solar panels and getting someone to install them.

There are factors you need to consider before going solar to increases the chances of success and to make sure that you get value for your money. These include:

Improve on your efficiency.

Your general efficiency is important for ordinary business as well as the overall impact of your solar panels. Solar installation is supposed to help enhance energy efficiency.

Therefore, make sure that you carry out an energy audit before installing your solar and curb out any other energy wastage.

Learn the different types of solar systems available

There are different types of solar systems and each is suited for a different type of commercial building.

Rooftop systems: These solar systems are installed on the roof of the building. The solar roof system utilizes unused space on your roof and is usually placed away from everyone’s view and access.
Carport Systems: If your commercial building’s roof does not provide enough space for solar mounting, you could make use of your parking lot area or garage. This is usually an underutilized space that will provide enough surface area to mount hundreds of solar panels for your building’s use. Also, it helps provide the required shade for your customer’s vehicles.
Ground systems: These are solar panels that are mounted on the ground. Ground solar systems are more cost-effective than other types. Also, it is easy to customize the systems to meet your building’s power requirements, especially if you have space.

Learning about these solar systems allows you to get the right solar on the first try. It also ensures that you get the most out of your solar.

Learn the different financing and payment options

You do not have to pay cash upfront for your solar power systems. While this is still an option, a lease option exists where you lease the solar for use. Our commercial renovation company explains that there are different federal or state subsidies that provide programs such as PACE or SRECs.

Getting the Right Professional for your Solar Installation

Commercial buildings can and should go solar. However, as a building owner, you need the best advice and service for your solar planning and installation. Contact Headwaters Construction Inc and enjoy the best commercial building services all year round. Our team will work with your local solar company to ensure that you get the most out of your building and solar.

commercial construction company commercial renovation company sacramento commercial builders Should New Commercial Buildings Go Solar?